Looking into my first BC set up need suggestions

[zero333]

OK so i have read alot of the info everyone has posted and replyed to in this forum but I need to know this.

I am looking into getting my first BC. I was trained with a jacket/vest style bc, but all i ever hear is people raving about BP&W set ups. So what would be wiser for me to buy.
Also I am going to use this for all situations, I dive in very cold water at times (NJ) and in warm water as well. I need something that is going to be good in all types of diving conditions.

Also what would you recomend in specific when it comes to purchasing.

Thanks again
Pete <====new guy

P.S. please justify your answer (usually do) i need some strong reasons why either would be better.

 

[Boogie711]

May I suggest that rather than hashing out this argument AGAIN, since it's been hashed out 1,492 times in the past 3 years, that you simply do a search and read up on the BC forum? Then you can make up your own mind.

 

[jbichsel]

I agree with Boogie711. But will add that you need to take all the advice you'll get with a grain of salt. While selection of a BC definately needs to be based on quality, features, attachment points, # of pockets, etc., alot of it is subjective. I.e., how does it fit YOU, what style of diving are YOU going to do.

Again, I recommend you take some time to try different brands and models within each brand.

I dive a SeaQuest Pro QD+ which for me, is the most comfortable BC I've used in 15 years of diving. I would be fine to have this be my last BC, but I'm not sure it will last 30 or more years.

However, I have spoken to a couple of people that thought it was a great BC, but just did not fit them right.

Take everything you will get here, mix it with real-world experience.

Good luck.

 

[DBailey]

Do searches. You can search based on type of BC, manufacturer, etc.

In the end, there is no one standard BC that works for everyone. Try out a bunch and decide from there.

 

[zero333]

thanks for the replys,

I have done some research but it is nevery really brought up what would be good for a starter for their first and only BC for a long amount of time. I was just trying to learn from your wisdom.

I will go check out more reviews and try some on, but hey, i was just trying to learn from everyone else's experiance, thanks again

Pete

 

[jhelmuth]

thanks for the replys,

I have done some research but it is nevery really brought up what would be good for a starter for their first and only BC for a long amount of time. I was just trying to learn from your wisdom.

I will go check out more reviews and try some on, but hey, i was just trying to learn from everyone else's experiance, thanks again

Pete

Starters don't have anything different to worry about where the BC itself is concerned. Boogie is giving you the straight dope. Go an look - there is a wealth of info there...

 

[WVMike]

thanks for the replys,

I have done some research but it is nevery really brought up what would be good for a starter for their first and only BC for a long amount of time. I was just trying to learn from your wisdom.

I will go check out more reviews and try some on, but hey, i was just trying to learn from everyone else's experiance, thanks again

Pete

Well in a BC a few features to look for.

1.A right shoulder dump
2. Dual tank bands
3. Weight integrated

The Sherwood Avid would be one to look at and try on.

Mike

 

[zero333]

really, thanks again everyone for replys.

I know NEwbie questions suck, I am an established member on an other forum (not about diving obviously) and it is quite annoying how you keep getting the same questions over and over from new people crusing through.

So really thanks for everything and I do appologise for being a newbie.

Pete

 

[Boogie711]

Well in a BC a few features to look for.

1.A right shoulder dump
2. Dual tank bands
3. Weight integrated

The Sherwood Avid would be one to look at and try on.

Mike

UM, or not. The only thing I would agree with you there is dual tank bands.

 

[herman]

Hi Pete,

Let me se if I can give you a little help. First, there are basically 3 types of BC's. The jacket type, the back inflate and the BP/wing. All 3 have their fans and each has it's own advantages and disadvantages.
The jacket type like you used in OW class tends to be more stable on the surface, it floats you high and straight, not a bad thing for divers in training but not a lot of benefit later in your diving. It also tends to hug you when it's inflated, which is reassuring to some divers. On the down side, because the bladder sourrounds you, it tend to squeeze you when inflated and when deflated it becomes loose. It's a pain to keep adjusted. Jacket types tend to move around a lot on your body.

Back inflates have the entire bladder behind the diver. Because of this, the harness does not change when the BC is inflated or deflated. The BC stays pretty much adjusted thoughout the dive and the BC stays more secure. The harness on the BI is similar to the jacket type as most have quick release buckles and are easily adjustable. BI's can be purchased with a varity of options such as weight intergration.

Bp/wings are back inflates with some major differences. While BI's have a fabric back plate the BP has a hard plate made of stainless steel, aluminum or plastic. The metal plates have the advantage of reducing the weight needed on your weight belt. The harness is usually a single length of webbing with D rings and a single buckle at the waist. The harness is widely adjustable but IMO somewhat difficult if you are making major changes. The BP can be used with a varity of wings for different application. The BP is more robust than most other BC's and is better suited for heavy loads such as double tanks than other BC's.

The only real way to determine which is best for you is to rent/beg/borrow at least one of each type and see which suits you and your diving style. I have dove all 3 and for my diving a lighter duty BI works fine. I would suggest that you avoid the "tech" type BCs, they tend to be more sales BS than useful equipment. A couple of examples of BIs that I like are the Zeagle Escape and Concept.